Diagnose before you buy anything
The patch you can see is rarely the whole job -- a real plan also traces the water entry point, checks humidity, evaluates material condition, sets up containment, and verifies the fix afterward.
What the written scope should cover
- Existing conditions and likely cause
- Preparation and protection
- Materials, compatibility, and installation details
- Permits, testing, cleanup, and restoration
- Exclusions, warranty terms, and change-order process
Sterling Heights context
Grading and downspout routing on Sterling Heights' 1950s-70s subdivision lots often no longer match the surrounding landscaping decades later, and correcting the actual moisture source at grade level is usually what keeps mold from returning after remediation.